Best Muscle Pain Relief Creams, According to Physical Therapists

These picks offer reprieve when you need it most.

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IF YOU'VE EVER pushed through a grueling workout, you're likely no stranger to muscle soreness. It's that delightful sensation that reminds you of your hard-earned gains and has you wondering why you went so hard. What your muscles really need to bounce back are time, sleep, and fuel, but muscle pain relief creams can be your allies in the battle against the "ouch" factor by providing some respite in the short-term. But let's be clear, the keyword here is "short-term." And they are best when used in tandem with recovery methods like massage guns, compression boots, saunas, and plunges.

According to Dr. Brad Whitley, PT, DPT, XPS, founding physical therapist of Bespoke Treatments San Diego, these topicals don't actually help with muscle recovery. Instead, they interfere with the neural pathways responsible for transmitting pain signals from your body parts to your brain. In essence, they act as the middle man, helping to minimize the perception of soreness. Many trainers and physical therapists will apply these creams to clients after particularly tough sessions, to ease the discomfort proactively.

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The benefit of pain relief creams and products is that they aren't exclusive to any age or situation. "[They] are for most everyone, and with a wide variety of active ingredients, pain creams are widely applicable to those who have muscle, joint, or nerve pain," Dr. Whitley says. These creams can be valuable tools in your fitness arsenal, especially when paired with proper recovery, rest, and nutrition.

So, the next time you're nursing sore muscles, consider reaching for one of the best muscle pain relief creams to keep you from wincing at every movement.

One of the most crucial aspects to examine when shopping for muscle pain relief creams is the active ingredients. According to Dr. Whitley, two widely recognized active ingredients are lidocaine and menthol. However, many formulas include other effective ingredients, including camphor oil, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, and even alternative options like CBD and THC. Each ingredient can effectively target different pain (i.e. joint, muscle, or nerve), so a combination of various active ingredients is typically beneficial.

These creams and ointments can be massaged directly onto the skin, providing a more hands-on approach to pain relief. They are ideal for individuals who prefer a deeper myofascial massage alongside pain relief topicals.

Convenient and mess-free, gels are easy to apply and don't require using your hands. They are an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free application.

Sprays provide quick and easy application, making them suitable for those who want a no-fuss option. They are convenient for on-the-go use.

For the past several years, Men's Health's fitness and health editors have been testing and evaluating the best muscle pain relief products for temporary relief from soreness. Our team gathered and assessed dozens of muscle pain relief creams, gels, sprays, patches, and balms from top-rated brands to determine which ones are more effective. We also got recommendations and tips from experts like Dr. Whitley in the process. These products were tested in a number of use cases, from addressing everyday joint pain to treating more intense aches caused by heavy training sessions. During the evaluation process for each product, we considered factors including active ingredients, application type, smell, value, and of course, how effective it is at relieving pain.Below, we have the best muscle pain relief products, tested by us.

Many can recognize Tiger Balm's distinctive scent from a mile away. Its camphor and menthol contents create a refreshing minty fragrance and a cooling sensation that gets to work on sore muscles almost instantly. While some folks might find the initial smell and sensation a bit strong, they gradually mellow out, leaving behind a subtle and long-lasting effect that sticks around for a few hours or until you wash it off. I, for one, crave the icy feel when my muscles are sore and tight.

The ointment has a smooth and non-greasy texture, making it easy to apply with your fingers. It glides smoothly onto the skin for an excellent deeper release. I've found that spending at least a minute massaging it in can help the formula absorb into the skin more quickly (and it feels great on achey muscles).

Let's dive into the most crucial aspect—effectiveness. The Ultra Strength formula lives up to its promise of providing muscle pain relief, all thanks to the cooling feeling it delivers. Whether you're dealing with post-workout muscle aches or stiffness from everyday activities, this ointment is one of the most refreshing and fast-acting options on the market.

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Icy Hot has been in the pain relief game for a long time, and its products have been used by everyone. But given its products ability to relieve discomfort after intense training sessions, they’re relied on by professional athletes and performance coaches all over the world.

Because the products were being used in a lot of locker rooms, Icy Hot went to develop a more concentrated and targeted product for those athletes who were putting their body through more than most. I was introduced to these while doing a little training with pro football players from the Las Vegas Raiders, who use it in tandem with their recovery methods like contrast therapy and massage.

The innovation with Icy Hot Pro is the combination of menthol (which is the featured ingredient in most of the brand's other products) and camphor, an oil that can help reduce chronic muscle pain over longer periods. This is the highest dose of these two ingredients available over the counter.

The relief comes fast as the product feels cool going on, and I appreciate that the cream leaves almost no residue, which is a common complaint I have with creams. The heat that follows is not overly intense, and I enjoy the familiar menthol smell, though understand some may not. This is a great addition to the gym bag for anyone out there that is really getting after it and need that next level relief.

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I absolutely love this mess-free roll-on gel from Penetrex when I'm not in the mood to fuss with getting product on my hands applying Tiger Balm. The applicator glides effortlessly, distributing the product evenly and conservatively. It's incredibly convenient for on-the-go use, making it a fantastic option no matter where I am.

It's also perfect for folks who aren't fans of the strong scent and chilly sensation that comes with menthol-based formulas. Compared to some other topical pain relief products, Penetrex boasts a very subtle aroma—it gives off a spa-like vibe with gentle minty and herbal notes. You won't need to fret about any lingering, overpowering odors because the scent fades away quickly as the formula dries.

It doesn't leave you with an intense cooling or warming sensation, but this gel (thanks to key ingredients like arnica and vitamin B6) penetrates swiftly to deliver a deep sense of muscle relaxation. I've discovered it works more gently than potent menthol-based rubs, but is incredibly effective for pain relief. The real boon of this product, however, remains its ease of application.

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Another mess-free option I love for its easy application is this spray from Biofreeze. The spray nozzle delivers a fine yet precise mist, making it easy to reach those sore spots without creating a mess. Since it's a spray, you'll get a whiff of that menthol scent in the air when you use it, but it dissipates relatively quickly, making it a suitable choice for on-the-go use.

Speaking of menthol, this spray contains 10.5%, which is one of the most concentrated formulas out there, behind Tiger Balm (11%). As soon as you apply it, you can feel the cooling effect taking place. Prepare for an intensely cooling sensation during the first 20-30 minutes that kickstarts the pain relief process and gradually fades an hour or so after. It's worked wonders in soothing my sore muscles, reducing stiffness, and relieving discomfort post-workout. I've noticed that this thinner formula isn't as long-lasting as Tiger Balm, but it serves as a great alternative for those who prefer a slightly milder menthol option.

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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, and it can be incorporated into a wide range of products. While additional comprehensive research is needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD and its potential for pain relief, topical CBD applications may offer relief from muscle pain and tension due to its soothing properties.

With 1000mg of organic broad-spectrum CBD, this balm offers a powerful blend of cannabinoids and herbal ingredients that I've found effective in soothing muscular discomfort and tension. This balm is aptly called a "comfort bar" rather than a muscle pain relief bar, given its effect is gentler than most products on this list. That being said, I much prefer its relaxing sensation for general stress-induced stiffness and tension over more intense muscle rubs, particularly in my upper back, neck, and shoulders.

The convenient and fuss-free bar makes it effortless to apply. It glides onto the skin without tugging, and evenly transfers the perfect amount of product in just a few swipes.

One of my favorite things about this product is its aroma. It strikes a perfect balance between freshness and lemony, herbal notes, adding to the overall relaxation experience.

Aside from menthol and camphor, lidocaine is another active ingredient found in over-the-counter pain relief topicals. It's a local anesthetic that numbs nerves where applied, offering temporary relief from pain and discomfort, especially for surface-level issues like muscle strains, sprains, or localized soreness. When I use products containing lidocaine, I notice its numbing effect in the area I apply it to about five to 10 minutes after application.

While some folks may have sensitivities or allergies to menthol or camphor found in cooling/warming products, lidocaine typically plays nicer with the skin. It's a good alternative for those who want reliable relief without the risk of irritation, or just don't like the sensation or scent of menthol-containing products.

I love this product for its massaging rollerball applicator, which allows for easy and targeted application without getting the product all over your hands. The cream itself has a smooth and non-sticky texture that absorbs into my skin quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue.

It contains 4% lidocaine as the active ingredient, making it one of the most potent over-the-counter lidocaine products available in most drug stores.

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This patch eliminates the need for creams and gels, making it a ideal for those who want to avoid the risk of topicals transferring onto their clothes. Simply peel off the backing, apply it to the afflicted area, and you're good to go. It adheres well to the skin, staying securely in place throughout the day. But there's one catch: Similar to a bandaid, it won't stick well (or come off easily) in areas where there's significant body hair.

Five percent menthol provides a slight cooling sensation without the extreme scent that some may find unpleasant. The patch starts with a cooling effect that helps divert my attention from my pain, followed by a gentle warming sensation that loosens up my achy muscles. It delivers the experience of menthol without an overwhelming odor, making it a pleasant and mess-free way to address pain.

In my experience, the patch begins working nearly immediately after application, offering quick relief from discomfort. I've kept it on my lower back for up to 8 hours and it's stayed in place the whole time. But keep in mind that it'll lose its stick if it gets wet from significant sweating, swimming, bathing, etc.

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This balm contains 100% natural ingredients, such as arnica, turmeric, CBD, menthol, and ginger, offering a holistic approach to reducing inflammation and muscle pain. Arnica has been studied extensively and shown potential in addressing bruising, pain, and inflammation. Similarly, topical turmeric (another key ingredient) has been studied for its anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially alleviating pain, swelling, and tension.

It comes in a convenient bar form, which makes application as simple as swiping on a stick of deodorant (but for your sore muscles, not your armpits). The balm's solid consistency, based on oil and beeswax, smoothly melts onto your skin upon contact, thanks to your body's warmth. Just be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid transferring more product than needed from the bar. Pressing too hard a couple of times resulted in a massive glob left on my skin and wasted.

The combination of menthol, peppermint, and ginger creates a balanced aroma that soothes without overwhelming. At $65 for 2.6 ounces, it's one of the most expensive options we tested, but its scent, luxe feel, easy application, and ability to relax muscles is well worth the splurge.

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Keep in mind that some individuals may experience skin reactions to muscle pain relief creams, balms, sprays, and bars. In order to avoid potential adverse effects, it's recommended for you to do a patch test before applying the cream to larger areas of your skin.

This is simple: Apply a small amount of the cream to a small, inconspicuous area and monitor for any adverse reactions for at least an hour.

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we interviewed experts including Dr. Brad Whitley, PT, DPT, XPS, founding physical therapist of Bespoke Treatments San Diego, who uses muscle rubs on his patients daily.

Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

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